Want somewhere you can find some reasonably cheap coffee on campus rather going off campus?
River Oaks Espresso offers coffee, espresso, and smoothie drinks along with blended drinks to the student body. In addition, the business offers a Christian presence through prayer and a desire to serve. Located in the back of the cafeteria, the business has been operated by Gary Wallace, 53, since last January.
River Oaks Espresso is a sole proprietorship with proceeds going to The River Oaks Church, located at 5500 Olive Drive. A fairly new church, with only 100 members. With the help of Pastor Terry Barnet, the espresso stand was at first just an idea about how to teach college kids about God.
“The college has been very gracious to allow us to be there. I’m very excited about the ministry,” Barnet said.
Wallace said that one way to get out and let people hear about the church is to go beyond church walls and be involved where people live. He has pictures of Jesus Christ and sometimes the Bible on hand at the stand. There won’t be any prayers or psalms read, just a short talk about the Lord if a customer is interested.
“It’s been an awesome experience,” Wallace said about working at the stand. “I’ve just had a great time. The kids have really accepted me.”
He hasn’t had any problems with the students, although he might ask about a person’s religion before he starts to chat.
“I’ve just had so much support from my customers,” Wallace stated.
“The hot chocolate smoothies are my favorite, “said Adam Bruce, 28, a computer science major.
I like it because it’s cheaper than Supreme Bean or Starbucks. I go for the iced cappuccino,” said Ana Diaz, 31, who is majoring in teaching.
Brook Malley, 21, a political science major, said she only goes to the stand because, “I don’t have time to go to somewhere else. It’s convenient. Yesterday, I kept yawning in class, so I needed coffee.”
The stand is open from 7a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information log on to www.riveroaksonline.com.